Is Metal on Metal a good place to start with Anvil?

Yes, Metal on Metal is recommended as a starting point for new Anvil listeners. Fierce riffs and relentless drumming create an adrenaline-fueled soundtrack to the raw energy of early '80s heavy metal. Released on April 15, 1982, 'Metal on Metal' was Anvil's third studio album, following their previous release 'Forged in Fire'. At this point, they were establishing themselves as key players in the burgeoning heavy metal scene, particularly in Canada, paving the way for future metal bands with their aggressive sound and energetic performances.

Who is Metal on Metal for?

Metal on Metal works well if you're into steady pacing for headbanging, anthemic choruses to shout along and explosive energy for workouts.

How many songs are on Metal on Metal?

Metal on Metal has 10 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Metal on Metal

Anvil · 1982

43 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

Fierce riffs and relentless drumming create an adrenaline-fueled soundtrack to the raw energy of early '80s heavy metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Metal on Metal Start here — The title track encapsulates Anvil's signature sound with its driving rhythms and memorable chorus, serving as an anthem for metal enthusiasts.
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Mothra — This track showcases Anvil's technical prowess with intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, highlighting their ability to blend melody with aggression.
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March of the Crabs — Instrumental and featuring a catchy riff, this song demonstrates the band's versatility and has become a fan favorite for its engaging composition.
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Jackhammer — With its powerful lyrics and energetic tempo, this track exemplifies Anvil's raw power and dedication to the heavy metal ethos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Anvil's 'Metal on Metal' showcases strong riffs and energetic performances, marking its influence in heavy metal's evolution.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, setting a high-energy tone.
Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, such as 'March of the Crabs', which alternates between fast-paced sections and slower, more melodic interludes.
The lyrics often focus on themes of power and rebellion, with anthemic choruses designed for audience participation during live performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for headbanging
anthemic choruses to shout along
explosive energy for workouts
invigorating riffs for road trips

Maybe skip if you

prefer calm, mellow sounds
seek intricate narrative structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Credited with influencing the thrash metal movement, establishing Anvil's reputation.
Themes: Canadian heavy metal scene· adrenaline-fueled anthems· raw energy of 1982
Career context: Released on April 15, 1982, 'Metal on Metal' was Anvil's third studio album, following their previous release 'Forged in Fire'. At this point, they were establishing themselves as key players in the burgeoning heavy metal scene, particularly in Canada, paving the way for future metal bands with their aggressive sound and energetic performances.
Stylistic neighbors: Accept· Judas Priest· Motörhead